Sunday, May 21, 2017

That was Yesterday (and Yesterday is Gone)

finished grey dress

And, today it is DONE! Top stitched,
hemmed, and all buttoned up! The same as half dozen other versions I
have already made, and yet so different! I still think it needs a bit
more—Not ribbons perhaps—but I could make myself a General—I do
have silver start buttons—to add perhaps to the collar or on the
epaulets? Or maybe not. I am not a member (nor have I ever been) a
member of the Services—It bordering on wrong to make it look too
much like a uniform. Besides it not really my style to overdo. I'll
leave it be for now—I can always add more trim.

Not sure if I am ready to start the
dresses for the Girls—I have been sewing and sewing and its time to
sweep the floor with a magnet (and pick up all the pins) and to
vacuum up all the thread, and fold up all the pattern pieces and put
them away (before I pull out a new pattern).

The new pattern needs to be copied
(since it is sized 4 (desired) to 8) and planned. I plan to line the
bodice of the dress (not a feature included in the pattern)—and use
the same lining fabric to make a pair of over pants—Times have
changed—I remember the song “I see London, I see France, I see
(someones) underpants” which often happened with rough and tumble
playing—I wore slips under my dresses, (even when I was a
pre-schooler!) but hanging from monkey bars, or other play often
reveled my underpants—and that was acceptable (or not and I was
sometimes admonished to not play that way but to be more ladylike)
I don't want my granddaughters to feel they have to be
ladylike—before they are ladies. I want them to be able to dress
up and still be able to play as they chose.

My granddaughters (and most girls
today) wear undershorts, or something under a dress (if they wear a
dress!) to modestly cover their under pants. A small pair of shorts,
with easy on and off Velcro closures are a required added accessory
to the dresses. They will match the bodice lining, and make the
outfits.

Childrens size 4 dress will be faster
to sew—and since both will be sewn with the same thread (more
grey!) making them in tandem will still be faster than this last
shirt dress. I used 2 full spools of thread, and 5 bobbins! Top
Stitching really eats up thread!

I have loaded a new needle—and have
the 3rd spool of thread on the spindle..so after a bit of
clean up I will be ready to go. (tomorrow!)